On January 6, 2011, a press release announced a rally to be held on January 8 in front of the Philips lighting plant in Sparta, Tennessee to challenge the company's plans to shut down the facility and move operations to Mexico. The rally organizers, which include community activists, business leaders, elected officials, and plant workers, are calling on Philips not to abandon the approximately 275 employees of the award-winning plant, which is the area's largest employer. The rally will feature remarks from local labor, community, and political leaders to persuade Philips to keep the plant open in Sparta.

1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2011 Contact: Brent Hall 615-969-6922
RALLY TO TELL PHILIPS: KEEP THE LIGHTS ON IN SPARTA
Workers, Community Challenge Company Plans to Shutter Award-Winning Plant
SPARTA, TENN. – On Saturday, Jan. 8, community activists, business leaders, elected officials and plant workers will
rally in front of the Philips lighting plant in Sparta, Tenn., to challenge the company’s plan to shut down the facility and
move its operations to Mexico.
Rally participants are calling on Netherlands-based Philips to not turn its back on the people of Sparta and the
approximately 275 employees of the plant, which has been widely recognized for excellence, including being named
one of North America’s 10 best plants in 2009 by Industry Week magazine. The plant is the area’s largest employer.
The rally will feature remarks from local labor, community and political leaders. The list of invited speakers includes
Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce President Wallace Austin, White County Executive Herd Sullivan, Mayor
Jeff Young, state Rep. Charles Curtiss, state Sen. Charlotte Burks, and IBEW International President Edwin D. Hill.
WHAT: Rally to Tell Philips: Keep the Lights On In Sparta
WHEN: 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8
WHERE: Philips Lighting Plant, 3300 McMinnville Hwy., Sparta, Tenn.
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The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 725,000 members who
work in a wide variety of fields, including manufacturing, utilities, construction, telecommunications,
broadcasting, railroads and government.